We've spotted mainstream male celebrities wearing makeup on magazine covers—and on the daily. There has also been a surge in international brands launching makeup products for men. Goes without saying, an uptick for men's makeup can be seen across the world. We chatted with makeup artist Anu Kaushik to get all your buzzing questions answered—from how to get a natural look to which products to buy. Get the full lowdown, ahead.
Tira: Why is makeup for men and women different?
Anu: For us women, makeup is mostly decorative—a way to enhance our features. But for men, it’s more about the corrective. This means that the focus is primarily on evening out the skin tone, reducing shine etc, all while maintaining a barely-there look and feel.
Tira: What is unique about the features or textures of men’s skin—and how should products differ?
A: Compared to women, men tend to have larger and more open pores due to their sweat glands. Men also have thicker skin and facial hair. Keeping this in mind, men’s cosmetics must have lightweight, oil-free formulas that won’t clog pores. Primers, too, should be colourless and mattifying to minimise the appearance of pores
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Tira: How do you get makeup to look natural on men?
A: The trick is to (1) choose the exact shade as your natural complexion, (2) opt for a tinted moisturiser or BB cream instead of a foundation, (3) use a colour corrector for dark circles, (4) apply concealer using fingers or buffing technique instead of a sponge and (5) setting spray and powder must be used sparingly, and in a matte finish.
Tira: Which makeup products are a must-have for men?
A: For the base, a smoothing primer such as Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer that prepares textured skin for the application of makeup
For the cover-up, the dot method when applying Clinique Even Better Concealer will camouflage dark circles, conceal acne, and reduce the appearance of redness.
For the eyebrows, fill Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Gel into sparse areas to give the brows a neater and more groomed appearance.
For the lashes, get a more awake look with Forest Essentials Nayantara Clear Lash & Brow Serum as it widens eyes by defining and darkening the eyelashes.
Keep your lips hydrated with a moisturising lip balm. Opt for a Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint to add a hint of colour for a polished appearance.
Reduce shine and set the applied makeup in place by lightly dusting M.A.C Mineralize Skin Finish Natural on the face.
Tira: One makeup tip for men who are new to it?
A: Less is more if a natural and subtle look is what you’re aiming for. The key to that is to use the right shade and quantity of any product, especially concealer.
Tira: Are there any beauty influencers or celebrities you admire for their makeup?
A: I have been following makeup artist Wayne Goss on YouTube for as long as I can remember, and the way he explains every look on himself and not a woman model is brilliant. Then, there’s also Hrithik Roshan, who totally rocks a bronzed-up look.
Tira: Share any makeup trends you’ve seen men gravitating towards lately.
A: Oh, it’s kohl-rimmed eyes and groomed brows! I see a lot of men getting threaded at salons, tweezing their eyebrow hair and even using brow gel before stepping out.
About the expert
Anu Kaushik is a celebrity hair and makeup artist from New Delhi, India. She has over 30 years of experience in the industry and is called ‘The Beauty Maker of Bollywood.
